Tuesday, November 22, 2011

A Plentiful Harvest...

Then He said to His Disciples,

"The Harvest truly is Plentiful, but the laborers are few.

Therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."

- Matthew 9:37-38 NKJV

Wikipedia describes Harvest as follows: "the process of gathering mature crops from the fields. The harvest marks the end of the growing season, or growing cycle for a particular crop. On smaller farms with minimal mechanization, harvesting is the most labor-intensive activity of the growing season."

Although I have yet to know the privilege of Agriculture Life, based on the last sentence of Wikipedia's definition, my imagination visualizes something similar to the photo above (courtesy of Google Images). I read a lot of Historical Fiction which generally is based in an Agriculture Era; where the lifestyle was centered around seasons, and families intimately knew the process of labor-intensive sowing and reaping.

Sowing - Courtesy of Google Images

How does this process relate to our Information Age Lifestyle? What does it mean to sow? Let's be clear it has nothing to do with fabric and thread. "Sowing is the process of planting seeds." Does this only apply to corn, grain, herbs, etc.? The bible is full of reverences to the process of sowing; and in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, we are reminded that "he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully." I wonder then, what am I sowing? Last year, I wrote a blog titled, A New Season which left me with a renewed sense of purpose and accountability about this important season. I was also reminded of the vital next step which is to wait. It takes time for seeds to grow, amen? This is where we learn to practice patience...yeah! Have you ever picked a piece of fruit too soon? In my experience, unripened fruit is usually inedible, sour, and upsetting to my stomach. So it is with us, if we are sowing seeds of love, expecting to harvest love, and we grow impatient; not only will we destroy that which we've planted, but the harvest will be minimal and less than expected. If, however, you practice patience, then it is right to expect a plentiful harvest!!

Reaping - Courtesy of Google Images

I have been able to apply this principle of sowing and reaping to many areas of my life. For example, we choose to tithe 10%, knowing that in Malachi 3:10 we are promised that as we do, "the Lord of hosts will open the windows of heaven and pour out such a blessing, that there will not be room enough to receive it." Likewise, in my relationship with my Sweetheart, when I am feeling unnoticed, unappreciated, unloved, unworthy (etc.); if I focus on sowing seeds of love, appreciation, attention, and value into Him, I can expect a bountiful harvest. This is one application I wish I had learned earlier in our 22 years of marriage. I spent too much time sowing seeds of bitterness, judgement, and disrespect all the while complaining about the above listed feelings. I am also very aware of this principal as it applies to my body. If I choose to consume sugar-filled foods, french fries, and soda (just to name a few); I can expect to harvest weight, diabetes, and fatigue. If, however, I choose to consume clean sources of protein, veggies, and water; I will harvest health and vitality.

A Plentiful Harvest - Courtesy of Google Images

So, now that we better understand the process of sowing and reaping, I am redirected to Matt: 9:37-38. We have spent many years in ministry, both as volunteers and paid staff, however, it wasn't until Very recently that I began to meditate on this particular verse more fervently. Likewise, we have spent many years growing in our walk with God, and gaining wisdom and understanding about His nature and His word. A few years ago, we applied for a full-time position as the directors of children's ministry at a newly opened satellite campus of our church. During the application process, we were able to see how the Law of the Harvest applies to our talents and spiritual gifts as well. Our Pastor, in his wisdom, noticed that although we were filled with passion and some experience, we still had more growing to do in order to really be used to our full potential. He also reminded us that if we tried to harvest too soon, our fruit would be weak and probably end in overwhelm. At the time, we felt ready to serve in this full-time capacity, and SO desired to meet the call for laborers...we believed that we were ready. Thankfully, our Pastor's wise counsel gave us a moment to pause and continue growing. There is a known saying, "You can't give what you don't have", which we can apply to this principal. As the Lord raises us up for Harvest, we get to trust Him as the Master Gardener and wait for our due season. So, although we were a bit disappointed, we moved forward in faith that God would accomplish in us that which He began; and we continued to feel called to full-time Pastoral Ministry. As we proceeded in faith, we continued to seek knowledge, truth, wisdom, and understanding; and simultaneously, we gained valuable experience in many areas of ministry. So it is then, when a position for Full-time Youth Pastors presented itself recently, we were able to prayerfully ask if we were ready to harvest. With great favor, and anticipation, we are excited to enter into this new season!! Our heart's desire is to not only hear the call to labor, but to respond with preparation and passion! We know that building a Strong and Successful Youth Ministry requires continued sowing, and we also look forward with great anticipation to the joy of reaping!!

This year, we have MUCH to be Thankful for!! I continue to be in gratitude for a loving and grace-filled Father in Heaven! I am equally grateful for the loving sacrifice of a Savior that I might be in relationship with them! I am grateful for the spiritual gifts and talents that have been instilled in me and the opportunities I have to continue to grow and develop them! I am grateful for a loving husband that honors me in His relationship with our Father God! I am grateful to be a Mother, and to be blessed with four Amazing, Gifted, and Healthy children! I am grateful to be called and equipped to serve alongside my Sweetheart in this season of my life! May we each be filled with renewed peace as we relish in whatever season we find ourselves in, and may we enjoy the journey as we faithfully expect the promise of A Plentiful Harvest!!

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About Me

I am SO Grateful to be a Daughter of God, a Wife in Love, and a Mother on Purpose!!
I married my sweetheart, Jeff 27 years ago. We have four amazing children! I love being a wife and mother striving to empower my family's greatness!!